Free GNU/Linux distributions

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This page lists the GNU/Linux
distributions that are
entirely free as in freedom.
All of the distributions that follow are installable to a
computer's hard drive; most can be run live.

The Free Software Foundation recommends and endorses these GNU/Linux
distros, although we do not try to judge or compare them based on any
criterion other than freedom; therefore, we list them in alphabetical
order. We encourage you to read these brief descriptions and to
consult their respective web sites and other information to choose the
one best for you.

These distros are ready-to-use full systems whose developers have made
a commitment to follow the
Guidelines
for Free System Distributions. This means these distros will
include, and propose, exclusively free software. They will reject
nonfree applications, nonfree programming platforms, nonfree drivers,
nonfree firmware “blobs”, nonfree games, and any other
nonfree software, as well as nonfree manuals or documentation.

If one of these distros ever does include or propose anything nonfree,
that must have happened by mistake, and the developers are committed to
removing it. If you find nonfree software or documentation in one of
these distributions, you can
report the problem, and earn GNU Bucks,
while we inform the developers so they can fix the problem.

Fixing freedom bugs is an ethical requirement for listing a distro
here; therefore, we list only distros with a development team that has
told us it will remove any nonfree software that might be found in
them. Usually the team consists of volunteers, and they don't make
legally binding commitments to users; but if we find out a distro is
not properly maintained, we will de-list it.

We hope the other existing GNU/Linux distributions will become
entirely free software so that we can list them here. If you wish to
improve the state of free distros, helping to develop an existing free
distro contributes more than starting a new one.

All of the distributions that follow are installable to a
computer's hard drive; most can be run live. Not all hardware works
in the free world; each distro's site should say which hardware it
supports.

We endorse these distros only for freedom. We do not try to judge
or compare these distros based on any other criterion; therefore, we
list them in alphabetical order. We suggest you consult their
respective web sites and other information to judge which one is most
convenient for you.

Distribution

Description

BLAG Linux and GNU, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Fedora.

Dragora, an independent GNU/Linux distribution based on concepts of
simplicity.

Dynebolic, a GNU/Linux distribution with special emphasis on audio
and video editing.

gNewSense, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Debian, with
sponsorship from the FSF.

Guix System Distribution is an advanced GNU/Linux distro built
on top of GNU Guix (pronounced “geeks”), a purely
functional package manager for the GNU system.

Musix, a GNU+Linux distribution based on Knoppix, with special
emphasis on audio production.

Parabola GNU/Linux-libre, a distribution based on Arch that
prioritizes simple package and system management.

Ututo XS, a GNU/Linux distribution based on Gentoo. It was the first
fully free GNU/Linux system recognized by the GNU Project.

Below is a list of small system distributions. These
distributions are meant for devices with limited resources, like a
wireless router for example. A free small system distribution is not
self-hosting, but it must be developable and buildable on top of one of
the free complete systems listed above, perhaps with the aid of free
tools distributed alongside the small system distribution itself.

Distribution

Description

libreCMC is an embedded GNU/Linux distro for devices with
very limited resources. While primarily targeting routers, it
offers support for a wide range of devices and use cases. In
2015, LibreWRT merged with libreCMC.

ProteanOS is a new, small, and fast distribution for embedded devices. Its platform configuration feature allows binary packages to be configured at build-time and run-time for different hardware and use cases.

In addition to their own sites, many of these distributions are
available from mirror.fsf.org.
Feel free to download or mirror the distributions from there,
preferably using rsync. Free distribution maintainers can request a
mirror for their project by mailing the
FSF sysadmins.

See something we missed?

Do you know about a distribution that you expected to find on our
list, but didn't? First, check our page
about why we don't endorse some
common distributions. That page explains the reasons why several
well-known distributions don't
meet our
guidelines. If the distribution isn't listed there either, and
you think it qualifies for a listing under our guidelines, then please
let the distribution's maintainers know about this page and encourage
them to get in touch—we'd like to hear from them.

If you maintain a distribution that follows the Free System
Distribution Guidelines and would like to be listed here, please
write to <webmasters@gnu.org> with
an introduction and a link to the project Web site. When you do,
we'll explain more about our evaluation process to you, and get
started on it quickly. We look forward to hearing from you!